Contents

This little Collection differs, it is believed, from others in the attempt made to include in it all the best original lyrical pieces and songs in our language, by writers not living, and none besides the best. The Editor will regard as his fittest readers those who love poetry so well, that he can offer them nothing not already known and valued.

Golden Treasury of English Songs and Lyrics (1861) Preface.

When once the mind has raised itself to grasp and to delight in excellence, those who love most will be found to love most wisely.

Golden Treasury of English Songs and Lyrics (1861) Summary of Book Fourth.

The azure lake is argent now
Beneath the pale moonshine:
I seek a sign of hope in heaven:
Fair Polestar! thou are mine.
A thousand other beacons blaze;
I follow thee alone...

"Midnight At Geneva".

In the season of white wild roses
We two went hand in hand:
But now in the ruddy autumn
Together already we stand.

"A Song of Spring and Autumn".

Time's corrosive dewdrop eats
The giant warrior to a crust
Of earth in earth and rust in rust.

"A Danish Barrow".

Let the children play
And sit like flowers upon thy grave
And crown with flowers,—that hardly have
A briefer blooming-tide than they.

The Sun whispers, O remember!
You have but thirty days to run,
O sweet September!

Kiss and cling to them, kiss and leave them,
Bright and beguiling:—
Bright and beguiling, as She who glances
Along the shore and the meadows along,
And sings for heart's delight, and dances
Crowned with apples, and ruddy, and strong:—Can we see thee, and not remember
Thy sun-brown cheek and hair sun-golden,
O sweet September?